Frequently Asked Questions
The following information lists the most frequently asked questions relating to Digital Telecare and our programme of work:
The original 'plan' indicated digital transition for 2021. Has this been amended?
British Telecom providers have indicated they will shift to digital services by 2025. Digital Telecare has learned that work in support of that shift is already underway.
Will there be a new procurement framework to support the purchase of new digital products (Scotland Excel limits the choices available)?
The current framework with Scotland Excel ends in December 2022 and work is currently underway on the new Technology Enabled Care Goods framework. This will run for four years with the option of a further two, one-year extensions. The current framework can be found here.
Will the new procurement framework go beyond equipment and include an Alarm Receiving Centre dimension?
The new framework will not include an Alarm Receiving centre as there is a separate framework going out for the Shared Digital ARC.
Is it worth investing in 2G/3G technology for our service users, if we will need to upgrade to 4G in the potentially not too distant future?
BT have revealed plans to phase out 3G by 2023 and 2G later in the decade. 3G is being replaced by 4G and mobile operators are already starting to decommission 3G in the UK. More information is available here.
We are seeing dangerous digital solutions being suggested in the industry (ATA Gateways etc...) - Will specific digital standards be adopted to ensure safety is priority?
Digital Telecare continue to monitor the security of the solutions within the industry and have worked with suppliers to create an Approved Supplier List which can be found here.
More information on current standards can be found here.
The playbook looks fabulous. A great tool for education and considering significant aspects of digital transition. Is it possible for commercial partners to gain access and review the playbook?
The Digital Telecare Playbook is a resource that is open to our partners in Scottish Local Government, collaborative partners, Telecare Service Providers and HSCPs in order to achieve their digital telecare transformation. There is a specific area for Suppliers and Commercial Partners who upon registration will be granted access to their own specific area. There are ongoing reviews and feedback is always welcome.
Is there a business case template that I can use?
The Business Case document within the Digital Telecare Playbook is a template to support the development of a Business Case. A worked-up example of a Business Case for digital telecare is currently here.
Will there be info on the playbook around some of those alternate suppliers from other countries, to save 32 LAs doing this?
The Digital Telecare team are looking into different suppliers that operate in other countries. This is part of the work around the current Supply Issues that are affecting some suppliers of telecare equipment in the UK.
How are the DT team supporting those local authorities that are planning on moving to Implementation stage in 2022/2023?
Digital Telecare currently offers ongoing engagement and support to all Local Authorities providing telecare in Scotland. There are also regular TSP meetings, Technical Advisory Groups for new Playbook Documentation, Project Manager Group meetings, various short life working group meetings and events that offer a chance for those Providers to get the latest information and to share their journey with others. In addition to this, we also ensure that regular communication is published in our newsletters, on our social media accounts and throughout our MS Teams environments.